New Year’s Resolutions Have Gone to the Dogs, Literally.
Making New Year’s Resolutions doesn’t have to stop with just the human members or your family, be sure to include your furry members as well. Milk-Bone (the makers of my pup’s favorite dog treats) recently conducted an original survey of 3,000 pet parents nationwide to find out which healthy habits families are pledging in the new year. See the results below:
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pets and Their Pet Parents
(% of pet parents who are interested in each pet-oriented resolution)
1. “I will spend more time with my dog.” 52%
2. “I will help my dog to have better health and wellness.” 42%
3. “I will take my dog on more trips with me.” 34%
4. “I will brush my dog’s teeth regularly.” 31%
5. “I will help my dog get more essential vitamins, nutrients, and supplements.” 30%
6. “I will help my dog become less anxious and stressed.” 29%
7. “I will not feed my dog food from the dinner table.” 25%
8. “I won’t leave my dog home alone for quite as long.” 23%
9. “I will help my pet lose weight.” 21%
10. “I will take my dog to dog training class.” 15%
Of course, old habits die hard — which is why Milk-Bone has also fetched the best ways to make sure these resolutions stick.
Top Tips for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
>> 1. “I will spend more time with my dog.” 52%
According to the survey, 44% of pet parents say that having a dog brings a family closer together. Whether it’s taking Fido to a new dog park or adding a few minutes to your daily walk, you can easily increase quality time with your pup.
>> 2. “I will help my dog to have better health and wellness.” 42%
In addition to plenty of play and exercise, consider providing your pup a daily vitamin supplement, such as Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamins, which promote well-being, longevity and overall good health.
>> 3. “I will take my dog on more trips with me.” 34%
Taking your pup on vacation not only adds fun, but it also alleviates the worry of not knowing what’s happening with him while you’re away. Be sure to bring his favorite toy or something he loves to keep him calm during travel.
>> 4. “I will brush my dog’s teeth regularly.” 31%
Weary about brushing your canine’s canines? Start a new daily routine and try a dental chew, such as Milk-Bone Brushing Chews — which clean teeth, remove tartar and fight dreaded doggy breath. This daily dental treat also comes in a new ‘Fresh Breath’ flavor (in stores Feb. 2016) for an even tastier clean.
>> 5. “I will help my dog get more essential vitamins, nutrients, and supplements.” 30%
Vitamins provide beneficial nutrients not found in regular dog food — which is why it’s a good idea for both of you to start the day off right with a daily vitamin supplement. Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamins support your dog’s immune system, brain, heart, and digestion.
>> 6. “I will help my dog become less anxious and stressed.” 29%
If you have a timid dog, the key to reducing his stress is by building his self confidence. Start by teaching him to respond to basic commands — it will make him feel more comfortable in his environment.
>> 7. “I will not feed my dog food from the dinner table.” 25%
Every dog loves (and often begs for) tasty table scraps. Next year, resist the urge and provide tasty pet treats instead. These Milk-Bone treats are ones that not only taste good but are (actually) good for them.
>> 8. “I won’t leave my dog home alone for quite as long.” 23%
If you can’t leave work early, consider providing a new furry companion for your pup. Or perhaps you can arrange for a friend’s dog to make a house call.
>> 9. “I will help my pet lose weight.” 21%
Just like us, some pups could stand to lose a few pounds. Next year, make Fido your accountability partner and commit both yourselves to eating healthier, along with plenty of play and exercise.
>> 10. “I will take my dog to dog training class.” 15%
Experts are experts for a reason. Accredited dog trainers have tons of experience in teaching both pets (and pet parents) positive reinforcement techniques that are safe and effective.
Cody’s New Year’s Resolution for 2016
Of all these resolutions, the one that resonates with me is ‘brushing my dog’s teeth regularly.’ According to the survey, 40% of dog parents do this… and I’d love to do this more regularly. 
Of course, brushing your dog’s teeth is one of those things that’s a lot harder than it sounds. Thanks to Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, however, I don’t have to lift a finger. (Well, maybe that’s all I have to lift.) Basically, the Brushing Chew does all the manual labor in keeping my pup’s teeth clean and breath fresh. Double win!
What resolution are you planning to make for you and your dog in 2016?
Disclosure: This is a curated post, with content provided by Milk-Bone.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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